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Thursday, September 12, 2013

1964 Topps #271 Bob Sadowski

After an impressive 1963 rookie campaign in which he started 18 games for the Milwaukee Braves, Bob Sadowski appeared to have a bright major league future ahead of him. Despite a record of 5-7, the 6-2 right-handed Sadowski finished that first season with a WHIP of 1.106 and a 72/30 K/BB ratio.

The following year, Bob began the season in the starting rotation, but soon became a swing man for the remainder of the 1964 season. Starting the second game of the year for Milwaukee, Sadowski had a poor outing against the Giants- getting roughed up for 6 ER in 2.2 innings. He would go on to appear in a career-high 51 games (18 starts, once again) while going 9-10, with a 4.10 ERA, 5 CG, 5 Saves and a 1.290 WHIP.

Best Game of '64:
Starting the final game of the season, Bob threw a two-hit, complete game shutout against the Pirates, walking only one while striking out six.

Feelin' Lucky?
Bob started an April 26th home game against the Dodgers- his second start against them in a week- and somehow escaped serious damage. Despite walking 7 batters and allowing three hits, he was able to pitch 8-innings while allowing only 1 run. Unfortunatley, the Braves couldn't score against Phil Ortega, and took the 1-0 loss.

...Or Not
An injury cut short Sadowski's career after less than four full seasons in the majors. Even worse, Bob has had to endure various ailments in the years since- all without the medical benefits that today's players receive. Chris Goltermann of the Newnan Times-Herald wrote an interesting look at Sadowski, who, along with an estimated 750 other former players, missed out on pensions and medical benefits due to a shortage in service time.

Custom 1963 Topps Card
I featured a custom card of Sadowski last year, and mentioned his place in Milwaukee Braves history. It can check it out here.